The clock tower of the Palace of Westminster – known to millions by the name of the bell it houses, Big Ben – is to be renamed in honour of the Queen for her diamond jubilee, it was announced on Monday, following a campaign by MPs.

It will in future be known formally as Elizabeth tower.

Commons authorities backed the change on Monday night after dozens of politicians added their names to a push by Tory Tobias Ellwood in favour of the switch.

"The House of Commons commission welcomed the proposal to rename the clock tower Elizabeth tower in recognition of HM the Queen's diamond jubilee, and will arrange for this decision to be implemented in an appropriate manner in due course," a spokesman said.

The change will provide a neat symmetry, as the tower at the west end over the House of Lords is named the Victoria tower – in honour of the only other British monarch to complete 60 years on the throne.